As an observer of domain name news and as a domain investor/developer, I check the number of total domain registrations over time to identify rates of adoption. One might predict that domain registrations would have decreased over the course of the economic recession during the last 2 years. But this is not the case. They increased.

Below is a comparison of domain registration numbers from February 2009 through January 2011 (just short of a two year period). While every domain space shows significant growth, pay particular attention to the rate of increase for .US and .info, which have emerged as reliable mainstays in the internet world:

• .US (1,385,171 to 1,817,893 -> a 31% increase)
• .biz (2,008,779 to 2,195,953 -> a 9.3% increase)
• .com (79,243,372 to 92,420,283 -> a 16.6% increase)
• .info (5,081,111 to 7,751,574 -> a 53% increase)
• .org (7,392,611 to 9,273,770 -> a 25.4% increase)
• .net (12,077,702 to 13,706,637 -> a 13.5% increase)

It appears that the American economy has picked up considerably based on stock market investment activity. However, the landscape is unclear, and the United States remains in the middle of a financial resuscitation of itself.

Despite lingering questions on America’s long term financial stability, the internet has continued to vigorously evolve during the recession. Domain names remain viable & valuable as the gateways to internet commerce. And companies now more readily explore how domain names can boost marketing, internet presence, and extend the company’s brand.

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I used to participate in domain drops religiously. Now, I might scan the lists just every so often. Drop-catching is a skill. And requires the use of good judgement!

I was dumbstruck the other day as I hopped from one drop registrar to another searching on a few select keywords. I saw huge, massive, enormous lists of expiring domains for some of the worst keyword combinations ever. My first reaction was “WHAT ARE PEOPLE THINKING”? I could not believe that people had chosen these domains to register at one time or another. That they were being dropped was really no surprise.

But then I paused to think about all the new, budding domain enthusiasts who have just discovered the domain industry within the last 1-2 years. “Domain fever” is what it’s called. I had it once, and recovered … thankfully.

The other consideration is that you, the veteran domainer, probably have much more knowledge than you realize based on years of trial & error, research, analysis, and actual business experience. I take for granted how much I know, and have stored away in my aging memory banks. Sometimes speaking to young people, their relative inexperience comes through immediately and causes me to pause. Which makes me feel a little old.

Back to the topic. If you are new to domaining, then you are likely excited about the many possibilities you have read about in the domain world. I will suggest to you that you not get in a hurry. Commit yourself first to learning about the industry. Learn to crawl before you walk. And then examine your options. There is no undiscovered pot of gold out in the middle of the desert waiting for you.

DO NOT go wild hand-registering large numbers of domains with your credit card. You will regret this. Be selective in your choices. With time & self-education, you will be much better able to invest your money, and not throw it away on an ocean of bad domain names. It is better to have one true quality domain name than 20 domains with no viable future.

Protect your money, protect your investment. With knowledge & good decisions. Build your domain empire –> one domain at a time!

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